Fincantieri and Viking’s World First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise

The world’s first cruise ship powered by hydrogen, the Viking Libra, is under construction at the Fincantieri Ancona shipyard in Italy. 

Due to enter service in late 2026, the vessel is a collaboration between shipbuilder Fincantieri and cruise operator Viking.

The use of onboard hydrogen

With a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons and measuring 239 metres in length, the Viking Libra is designed to host up to 998 guests in 499 staterooms.

Set to be capable of both propulsion and electricity generation through a new hydrogen system, the vessel will operate with zero emissions. 

This capability opens the door for travel through areas with high environmental sensitivity where stricter regulations typically apply.

Hydrogen is stored directly on the ship using a containerised system that helps overcome the current limitations of fuel availability in the maritime supply chain. 

The hydrogen will power polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, an energy system specially adapted for cruise ship operations. 

This fuel cell system is being developed and supplied by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary focused on advanced energy technologies.

The PEM fuel cells onboard the Viking Libra will generate up to six megawatts of power, making it a benchmark for decarbonisation within the cruise industry. 

IFM’s role in the project reflects the increasing use of green fuels in maritime and land transport sectors, as the company positions itself at the forefront of applying these energy solutions.

A broader commitment to sustainable shipbuilding

Following the Viking Libra, a second hydrogen-powered cruise ship, the Viking Astrea, is also in development. 

Currently being built at the same shipyard in Ancona, the vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027 and will follow the same environmentally conscious design model.

This effort forms part of a wider commitment by both Viking and Fincantieri to sustainable innovation in maritime operations. 

"With the Viking Libra, we are not only delivering the world's first cruise ship powered by hydrogen stored on board, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transportation,” says Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.

“This milestone marks a defining moment in our journey towards net zero, fully aligned with our Business Plan, and underscores Fincantieri’s role as a catalyst for the industry's green transition. 

“Beyond shipbuilding, we are driving a systemic evolution by integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering supply chain innovation and creating a model for the widespread adoption of hydrogen in the maritime sector."

The vessel’s propulsion and onboard systems are built to align with the latest environmental rules and safety regulations. 

Designed for the small cruise ship segment, the hydrogen vessels not only meet stringent maritime standards but also provide the blueprint for a new generation of sustainable tourism.

Expanding Viking’s hydrogen fleet

Alongside work on the Viking Libra and Viking Astrea, Viking and Fincantieri have signed a further agreement for the construction of two additional cruise ships, expected for delivery in 2031. 

The deal also includes an option for two more ships and follows the same design principles as previous vessels built for Viking at Fincantieri’s Italian yards.

These future ships will also weigh around 54,300 tons and house 998 passengers across 499 cabins. 

They will be constructed under the most advanced environmental regulations and will feature modernised safety systems, echoing Viking’s broader ambition to lead the cruise sector towards more sustainable operations.

"From the outset, we have designed our river and ocean ships thoughtfully to reduce their fuel consumption and we are very proud that the Viking Libra and the Viking Astrea, will be even more environmentally friendly,” says Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. 

“Viking made the principled decision to invest in hydrogen, which offers a true zero-emission solution. We look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet in 2026."

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